Summary: A traffic accident on the M62 Westbound near Wakefield has closed a lane by Junction 29, with queues reported back to Junction 32. National Highways estimates delays of about 30 minutes, with conditions expected to improve between 8:30am and 8:45am on February 6.

M62 Westbound Wakefield traffic delays are causing disruption for motorists on the morning of February 6 after a crash near Junction 29 led to a lane closure. The incident has triggered slow-moving traffic and long queues on a key route through West Yorkshire.

National Highways, the UK’s official traffic authority, has estimated the delays at around 30 minutes. It said road conditions are expected to return to normal between 8:30am and 8:45am.

What happened on the M62 near Wakefield

Traffic monitoring service INRIX reported that the collision occurred on the M62 Westbound close to Junction 29 near Wakefield. With the lane nearest the incident closed, drivers have fewer lanes available, slowing the flow of vehicles during a busy commuting period.

The congestion is affecting motorists travelling toward Leeds and other nearby destinations, with queues building along one of Yorkshire’s most heavily used motorway corridors.

Queueing traffic back to Junction 32

Drivers are facing queueing traffic extending from Junction 29 back to Junction 32. The backlog covers several miles, adding to journey times for commuters and anyone moving through the area during the morning peak.

With one lane closed, traffic is moving slowly as vehicles approach the scene. Authorities have advised motorists to anticipate longer-than-usual travel times until the incident is cleared and normal capacity is restored.

National Highways update and expected clear-up time

National Highways’ monitoring indicated that the disruption should amount to roughly 30 minutes of delay. The timing of the crash—during the early rush hour—has made the lane closure particularly impactful for westbound traffic.

Based on the latest estimate, conditions are expected to improve between 8:30am and 8:45am as traffic management and response teams work to clear the affected area.

Slow traffic on the M62 motorway near Wakefield following a lane closure, illustrating UK travel delays
A lane closure on the M62 Westbound near Wakefield has led to slow-moving traffic and queues during the morning commute.

Emergency services response and limited details

Emergency services were alerted early on February 6, though full details of the incident had not been released at the time of reporting. YorkshireLive contacted emergency services for further information and said it would continue to provide updates as more becomes known.

Officials have urged drivers to take care when approaching the area and to follow directions from traffic management teams while the response continues and the lane is reopened.

Advice for drivers: alternatives and real-time updates

For anyone planning to use the M62 today, authorities and traffic services recommend building in extra time and considering options to reduce the impact of the congestion, particularly while the lane closure remains in place.

  • If possible, travel after the expected clear-up window of 8:30am to 8:45am.
  • Consider alternative routes such as the A642 to bypass the affected stretch.
  • Monitor real-time updates via National Highways and services such as INRIX.
  • If you must stop, ensure your vehicle is safely off the carriageway.
  • Check fuel and water levels before setting off in case delays continue.

Wider impact on West Yorkshire travel and logistics

Beyond commuter frustration, extended congestion can affect local operations in and around Wakefield and Leeds. Longer journey times can disrupt service workers, scheduled appointments, and deliveries for businesses that depend on reliable road connections.

Wakefield’s location near major West Yorkshire cities makes the M62 an important commuter and freight route. Incidents that reduce capacity on this corridor can ripple into the region’s broader transport network, underlining the importance of safe driving and effective traffic management.

What this means for travelers

For travelers—especially those heading to time-sensitive connections, meetings, or onward transport—this M62 Westbound disruption is a reminder to check live traffic conditions and allow extra time when moving through West Yorkshire. Even a single-lane closure can quickly create multi-mile queues on major UK motorways, affecting schedules well beyond the immediate crash site.